Combined lock and latch



Jan. 25, 1938. 5; PRICE Re. 20,639

COMBINED LOCK AND LATCH Original Filed June 7, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTOR. JAMES 5. PRICE ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 25, 1938. PR|cE I I Re; 20,639

I COMBINED LOCK AND LATCH Original Filed June 7; 1934 4 Sheets-sheaf; 2

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'IIIr/Illlllrllllrn BY JAMES E. P2165 Jan. 25, 1938.

Originalzl Filed June 7} 1954 J. E. PRICE COMBINED LOCK AND LATCH 4Sheets-Sheet 3 l 15 5/ fifilll 32:16 4;? f 3 55/ 2o 4/ /945 /6 Z9 Z0531. 39 t I y I I -fi6{ "w 36 4 2 7 S 35 O I I rifllln 5g I I Hf: 43 I[U 34 Z9 5 {462 4 FT: Z 37 53 I I i L 4 INVENTOR. 19 Z0 5/ 49 47 4 JAMESE Pie/CE M W J I ATTORNEYS.

Reissued Jan. 25, 1938 UNITED STATES Nevada 15 Claims.

My invention relates to and has for an object the provision of akey-controlled mechanism adapted to actuate a bolt or otherinstrumentality and embodying a novel key-operated tumbler system whichforms a barrier in the path of movement of a key into the mechanism insuch manner as to render the mechanism practically pick-proof andincapable of being operated except by the proper key, all while enablingan enormous number of different arrangements of the tumblers of suchsystem to be obtained as is very desirable commercially and is, in fact,a necessity in order to insure against the operation the mechanism byother than the proper key.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel latch for a dooror other closure which is combined with the aforestated key-controlledmechanism in such manner as to be selectively operated by the mechanismor manually from the outside or inside of a door.

With these and other objects in View, the invention consists in theconstruction and arrangement of elements as set forth in the followingspecification and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure l is a view of a portion of a door in end elevation, partlybroken away, with the como bined lock and latch embodying my inventionapplied thereto;

Figure 2 is a view of the latch in side elevation;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the door handle withwhich the invention is as sociated;

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional View taken on i o the line 55 ofFigure 1;

Figure 6 is a view of the latch from the re verse side to that shown inFigure 2, and with a cover plate of the enclosing casing removed;

Figure '7 is a vertical transverse sectional view i5 taken on the line'!I of Figure 6;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional 3 view on the line 3-3 ofFigure 1;

PATENT OFFICE COMBINED LOCK AND LATCH James E. Price, Manhattan Beach,Calif., as-

signor, by direct and mesne assignments, to Burdette Lock Company, acorporation of Original No. 2,070,619, dated February 16, 19-37, SerialNo. 729,484, June 7, 1934. Application for reissue August 30, 1937,Serial No. 161,635

Figure 12 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of a portion of themechanism from the reverse side;

Figures 13, 14, 15 and 1.6 are sectional views taken, respectively, onthe lines 13-43, i l-l4, l5--I5 and Iii-l6 of Figure 9, looking in thedirections of the respective arrows;

Figure 17 is a view of the key-controlled mechanism in end elevation;

Figure 18 is a view of the key by which the sieeves 3 for definitelyspacing the plates apart in parallel relationship. The screws I2 arethreaded into bosses l4 projecting from the bottom wall l5 of acup-shaped casing l6 of rectangular outline to rigidly secure the framein the casing. A cover plate H is secured to the casing 16 by screws iswhich are threaded into openings in the side plate 10, so that the coverand casing co-act to completely enclose the keycontrolled mechanismwhich is mounted between the plates and includes a set of key-operatedrotary wards 19. In the present instance, eight of these wards in twocorrelated groups or series of four each are illustrated, but it is tobe clearly understood that a greater or lesser number can be employed,if desired.

The wards l9 are all of identical construction I and each is in the formof a disk having four teeth 20 projecting radially from the peripherythereof at ninety degree'intervals so as to be equally spaced apartcircumferentially. The four wards of one series are rigidly secured inside-byside abutting relation to a shaft 2|, whereas the four wards ofthe other series are likewise secured to a second shaft 22. The shaftsEl and 22 are iournaled in registering openings in the side plates Illand H so as to rotatably mount the two groups of wards between theplates at opposite sides of a medial line a drawn longitudinally throughthe casing. The shafts are also disposed adjacent one end wall 23 of thecasing and are spaced apart a distance such that the teeth of the wardson either shaft will just clear the peripheries of the wards on theother shaft, as clearly shownin Figures 9. l0 and 11.

The wards of each group of four are so arranged circumferentially as toprovide a predetermined relationship of the teeth of one ward to theteeth of another; and the two groups of wards are operatively connectedfor rotation equally in opposite directions by intermeshing gears 24 and25 fixed to the shafts 2i and 22, respectively, at the outer side of theplate II. The teeth of the two groups of wards are so arrangedrelatively as to clear each other during rotation of the shafts, and therelationship of the teeth determines the particular combination orpermanent setting of the wards.

By reference to Figure 12, it will be noted that one of the teeth of thegear 25 spans two normal teeth so as to co-act with the gear 24 informing a stop 26 for determining a starting position of the wards towhich the wards are normally urged by a flat spiral spring 21 having oneend fixed to a pin 28 on the side plate Ill, and its other end fixec toshaft 22. The directions in which the wards of the respective groups areurged to rotate by the spring 21 are indicated by the arrows in Figure8.

The wards are adapted to be rotated in directions opposed to the arrowsand against the: ac tion of the spring 21 by a key 29 which isinsertable into the casing l6 through a keyhole 30 provided in the endWall 23 of the casing. This key is in the form of a flat bar the widthof which is practically equal to the combined thicknesses of the wardsof either group, and the thickness of which is slightly less than thespacing between the peripheries of the tumblers of the two groups. Atintervals along its length corresponding in relationship and spacing tothe teeth of the two groups of wards, the key is provided with openings3! arranged in. four rows as clearly shown in Figure 18, so as to co-actwith the teeth of the wards of one group or the other. Thus, uponinsertion of the key through the keyhole 30 into the casing with onepredetermined side of the key facing a predetermined side of the slot,as indicated by suitable indices P-P on the key and easing, the key canbe advanced in a rectilinear path between the wards as the teeth of thelatter enter the respective openings 3| of the key and rotate the wards.Any arrangement of the openings 3| not constituting an absolutelyaccurate fiat development of the arrangement of the teeth around theperipheries of the respective wards, will render the key useless as ameans to operate the wards. In effect, the key provides a series ofracks, the teeth of which are arranged in parallel and side-by-side rowsadapted for intermeshing engagement with the teeth of the wards so as torotate the latter and thus permit the key to be advanced or retracted,as the case may be.

In the present instance, the advancing movement of the key is utilizedto release a normally locked actuator A and to impart a rectilinearmovement thereto for the purpose of operating a door latch mechanism ina manner to be later described. However, such motion of this actuatorcan be employed to operate many other instrumentalities.

actuator A comprises a flat rectangular body 22 slidably mounted betweenthe side plates Iii and. i i and between guides: 33-33 on the latterplate for reciprocating motion, the body having at its end remote fromthe ward assembly an extension in the form of a pin 34 which projectsfreely through an opening in the end wall 35 of the casing H5. Theactuator is urged to the retracted position shown in Figure 8 by a coilspring 36 surrounding the pin 34," and against a stop 31 projecting fromthe inner side of the plate I I.

The actuator A carries a pair of locking members 38 and 39 which are inthe form; of flat arms working in laterally offset slots 40 and 4| inopposite sides of the body 32 and pivotally mounted on pins 42- and 43,respectively, at that end of the body confronting the ward assembly anddisposed at opposite sides of a longitudinal medial slot 44 into whichthe forward end of the key 29 is adapted to be inserted.

The locking members 38 and 39 are normally urged inwardly of the body tothe locking position shown in Figure 8 by a coil spring 45 connected tothe members adjacent their free ends and passing freely through atransverse bore 46 in the body 32. The locking members are respectivelyprovided with outer locking dogs 4'! and 18 and inner locking dogs 49and B, which are correlated with iocking lugs 5| and 52, projecting fromthe guides 33 at opposite sides of the body 32.

The several locking dogs are in the form of hooks; and in the lockingposition shown in Figure 9, the outer dogs 41 and 48 are disposed tocoast with V-shaped notches 53 in the lugs 5| and 52, in looking theactuator against advancing movement towards the projected position shownin Figure 11, It will be noted that the outer dogs are arranged to moveinto locking engagement with the lugs 5| and 52 from. the outer sides ofthe latter and that the inner dogs are arranged to move into lockingengagement with the respective lugs from the inner sides of the latterso that it can be said that the lugs are arranged intermediate the outerand inner dogs of the respective locking members.

Projecting respectively from the locking members 38 and 39 adjacenttheir pivoted ends so as to be disposed side by side within the slot 44when the members occupy the locked position shown in Figure 9, are camlugs 54 and 55 adapted to be engaged, respectively, by the oppositelybeveled surfaces 56 and 51 formed on the forward end of the key 29, forco-action therewith in response to advancing movement of the key in theslot 44, to rock the locking members about the pins 42 and 43 to thereleased position shown in Figure and wherein the outer dogs 41 and 48clear the locking lugs 5| and 52.

In this released position, the inner dogs 49 and 53 also clear thelocking lugs 5| and 52 so that as advancing movement of the key iscontinued the actuator A will be correspondingly moved by the key to theprojected position shown in Figure 11, and against the action of thespring 36. Upon the withdrawal of the key, the actuator will be returnedby the spring 36 to the retracted position, shown in Figure 9.

When the key 29 is withdrawn from the casing, it will be clear thatthose teeth of the wards H] which span the key-receiving space betweenthe wards in the initial or starting position of the latter effectivelyclose such space as to prevent the insertion of a picking or otherinstrument in an effort to release the locking members 38 and 39. Shouldany of such teeth be damaged or broken off so as to permit the insertionof a wire, for example, it will be practically impossible to actuateboth locking members the proper and equal amounts to simultaneouslyrelease their outer dogs 41 and 48 from the locking lugs 5i and 52, asone or both will be moved an incorrect amount to either retain one orboth of the outer dogs in engagement with the locking lugs or cause oneor other of the inner dogs 49 and 5!] to be moved into lockingengagement with said locking lugs. The mechanism is thus practicallypick-proof so as to positively insure that only the proper key can beused for its operation.

In Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, the key-controlled mechanism abovedescribed is shown associated with a door latch in a manner to utilizethe movement of the actuator A from retracted to projected position, inactuating the belt of the latch. In this application of the mechanism,the end of its casing it? 'rom. which projects the pin is extended intoa recess 58 Figure 1 in a door I) from. the outer side of the latter andadjacent its'free edge. The casing passes through a slot 59 in anescutcheon plate Ell secured to the door and having fixed thereto anornamental handle iii. The lower portion of the handle below thatportion which is adapted to be grasped in moving the door is constructedof flat bar or strip metal and is provided with a recess 52 receivingthe outer or exposed part of the casing 56 between protective cheekplates 53-63, the casing being rigidly secured to such portion of thebarn die by screws s4 ss, which portion is provided With a keyhole i55registering with the keyhole 30 of the casing for the insertion -01" thekey 29, all as shown. in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

The door latch previously referred to comprises a rectangular casing5511 including a back cover plate Git secured thereto by screws il, thecover plate and easing being rigidly secured as a unit to the innerside. of the door D by screws 63 passing through projecting portions ofthe cover plate 66.

Reciprocatably mounted in the casing 55a in guides 69 and ill forrectilinear movement to occupy projected and retracted positions, is alatch bolt H provided intermediate its ends with an oblique extension'12 working in a cam slot 13 extending obliquely in a cylindrical body1'4 reciprocably mounted on a fixed stud I5 for rectilinear movement ina path at a right angle to the path of movement of the latch bolt H sothat according as the body '14 is moved to one extreme position oranother the extension "52 and the cam slot 13 will coast in moving thelatch bolt to projected or retracted position. The extension isbifurcated at it; to freely receive the reduced portion of the body "Mspanning the cam slot 53, and the body is urged by a spring ll on thestud 15 to the extreme position shown in Figure 5 and wherein the latchbolt occupies its projected position determined by a stop pin Tia.

A portion of the outer end of the body H which provides a flat face orabutment 1B is disposed in the path of movement of the pin 3% of theactuator A so as to be engaged and moved thereby from the extremeposition shown in Figures 1 and 6 when the actuator A is moved by thekey 29 from the position shown in Figure 9 to that shown in Figure 11,whereby the extension l2 and the cam slot "is will co-act in moving boltto its retracted position out of engagement with the usual keeper 19 inthe door jamb. When the key is Withdrawn, the spring I! will restore thebolt to projected position.

The belt can be manually retracted from the inner side of the door D bya pull ring ill) fixed to the head SI of a pin ll? passing through anopen- I ing in the casing 65a and connected interiorly of the latter othe body 14 by a screw 83.

The bolt can also be manually retracted from the outer side of the doorshould it be desired to leave the door unlatched. For this purpose, arod M is mounted in the handle Bl, escutcheon plate and back cover plate66 of the casing 65, so as to be disposed in alinement with the pin 82of the pull ring Bil. The rod 84 is normally urged axially in adirection towards the outer side of the door D by a coil spring 85surrounding the rod between the cover plate 55 and a diametric pin 86projecting from the rod and adapted to engage the escutcheon plate iii]to limit the movement of the rod in said direction. The outer end of therod is provided with a finger piece 37 adapted to be pressed to actuatethe rod and cause the latter to engage and move the pin in the samedirection as the latter is moved by pulling upon the ring 80, so that byvirtue of the operative connection between the pin and the body M, thebolt will be retracted.

In order to render the rod inoperative so that the door can only beopened from the outside by the key 29, a rock shaft 88 is journaled inthe casing and. cover plate 66 and is provided with a radial projection83. Exteriorly of the casing 65a, the shaft is provided with anooerating arm 9!] by which it can be manually rocked to cause theprojection 89 to occupy either active or nactive position. In its activeposition the projection 85! is interposed between the confrontmg ends 01the pin 82 and the rod 84 so that movement of the latter by the fingerpiece 3! will be positively prevented. In its inactive position, theprojection. 59 is entirely clear of the path of movement of the rod 813by the finger piece 8'! so that the rod will be operative. The shaft 88is provided with angularly related flat faces 9i 92 which are adapted tobe engaged by the free end portion of a flat spring 93 secured at itsother end to the guide 69, so that the spring will co-act with one faceor the other to releasably retain the projection in active or inactiveposition. i I An important feature of my invention resides in theprovision of relatively rotatable elements or ward groups, each of whichis characterized by simple, inexpensive stampings in the form ofidentical flat, circular disks of which there may be as many perelementor group as desired for different key combinations. Each disk hasa desired number of circumferentially spaced apart radial teeth. Thecompanion Ward groups are disposed relative to each other to insureconstant maintenance of a key-way of uniform width between theperipheral surfaces of said disks, into which extend, (regardless of thedegree of rotation of one group relative to the other) one or more teethof each group such that the key-way will always be occupied by a similarseries of teeth. It is noted that teeth of each group employed has alength barely slightly less than the width of said key-way and that theteeth of one group never at any time contact any part whatsoever of theother group. By reason of this arrangement of the teeth, it follows thatthe moment any tooth of any group is pressed against by an object otherthan a proper key and both groups started in rotative motion, one, andpossibly more teeth of each group will be advanced circumferentiallyinto firm clamping impingement against an adjacent side of said object.The force of the tooth impingement against the object is alwaysproportional to the degree of manual pressure imposed against theobject. Advancing motion of the object will thereby be positivelystopped the moment the limit of relative rotation of the two groups isreached. Ordinarily, this is instantaneous due to the circumferentialrelationship of the teeth to each other on the disks of both groups.

I find in practice that by stamping the toothed disks from suitablegauge sheet steel, the teeth function substantially like punching orcutting dies and either materially indent and distort the object or elseseverone portion thereof from the other, in any event, always stoppingthe wards from relative rotation in an effective object advancingdirection. To the best of my knowledge, I am the first in the art toprovide two ward groups wherein teeth on one group never enter ordirectly engage the other group and wherein the teeth on each group eachhas a length, barely less than the width of an intervening key-waybetween said groups. I furthermore stress the fact that said disks arevery inexpensive and are adapted readily and by slight changes in theirrelative positions circumferentially, to enable an almost unlimitednumber of different key combinations to be had, a feature which Ibelieve is also new in the art.

By reason of the relationship of the ward groups to each other, it is afact, regardless of the shape or diameter of a spurious object attemptedto be forced between the groups, coaction of the toothed disks to stopsuccessful advancement of the object is the same. If the object is smalllike a steel sewing needle, its motion will be arrested by a tooth of adisk of one ward group forcing the needle against a smooth peripheralsurface of a disk of the other group. If the object be larger, itsmotion will be stopped by the clamping effect of one or more teeth ofone or more disks of both ward groups thereagainst. Thus the device, soto speak, automatically is a check against entry of various sizes ofspurious, objects through the keyway of the device. This again,obviously is due to the close order of relationship of the disks to eachother and to the fact that there is at no time more than a scant ormachine clearance between the tip of any tooth of a disk of one wardgroup and a directly opposite smooth peripheral surface of a disk of thecompanion group.

What is claimed is:

l. Mechanism of the class described comprising a plurality of identicalwards having circumferentially spaced teeth; means for mounting thewards in two groups for rotary movement about axes arranged side by sidewith. the wards of one group spaced from those of the other groupsumciently to provide for the passage of the teeth of the respectiveWards and for the insertion of a key therebetween to co-act with theteeth in rotating the wards; means for operatively connecting the groupsof wards to synchronize rotation of the groups in opposite directions;and means for urging the two groups of Wards to rotate to apre-determined starting position.

2. Mechanism of the class described comp-rising a plurality ofstructurally identical flat disklike wards having circumferentiallyspaced teeth projecting from the peripheries thereof; means for mountingthe wards in two groups for rotary movement about axes arranged tointerrelate the teeth of the groups for co-action with a key in rotatingthe wards in order to permit the key to be advanced therebetween; meansfor operatively connecting the groups of wards to synchronize rotationthereof in opposed directions; and means for urging the two groups ofwards to rotate to a predetermined starting position.

3. Mechanism of the class described comprising a plurality ofstructurallyidcntical flat disklike wards having teeth arranged atpredetermined locations about the peripheries thereof; two rotatablymounted shafts to which said wards are fixed so as to be arranged sideby side in two groups with the teeth of the groups interrelated forco-action with a key in rotating the wards in order to permit the key tobe advanced therebetween; intermeshing gears fixed to the shafts tosynchronize rotation of the two groups of wards in opposed directions;and means for urging the two groups of wards to rotate to apredetermined starting position.

4. Mechanism of the class described comprising a plurality of wardshaving circumferentially spaced teeth; means for mounting the wards intwo groups for rotary movement about axes arranged side by side with thewards of one group spaced from those of the other group sufficiently toprovide for the passage of the teeth of the respective wards and for theinsertion of a key therebetween to co-act with the teeth in rotating thewards; means for operatively connecting the groups of wards tosynchronize rotation of the groups in opposite directions; means forurging the two groups of wards to rotate to a predetermined startingposition; an actuator; means for normally locking the actuator; andmeans adapted for operation by the key as the latter is advanced betweenthe groups of wards, to unlock the last means for movement of theactuator by the key.

5. Mechanism of the class described comprising a plurality of wardshaving circumferentially spaced teeth; means for mounting the wards intwo groups for rotary movement about axes arranged side by side with thewards of one group spaced from those of the other group sufliciently toprovide for the passage of the teeth of the respective wards and for theinsertion of a key therebetween to co-act with the teeth in rotating thewards; means for operatively connecting the groups of wards tosynchronize rotation of the groups in opposite directions; means forurging the two'groups of wards to rotate to a predetermined startingposition; a reciprocably mounted actuator; means including lockingmembers carried by the actuator for locking the latter in a retractedposition; and means on the locking members disposed for engagement andoperation by the key when advanced between the groups of wards, torelease the locking members so as to enable the key to advance theactuator to a projected position.

6. Mechanism of the class described comprising a plurality of wardshaving circumferentially spaced teeth; means for mounting the wards intwo groups for rotary movement about axes arranged side by side with thewards of one group spaced from those of the other group sufficiently toprovide for the passage of the teeth of the respective wards and for theinsertion of a key therebetween to co-act with the teeth in rotating thewards; means for operatively connecting the groups of wards tosynchronize rotation of the groups in opposite directions; means forurging the two groups of wards to rotate to a predetermined startingposition; a reciprocably mounted actuator; locking members movablymounted on the actuator and having locking dogs; stationary locking lugswith which said dogs co-act to lock the actuator in a retractedposition; and means on the locking members adapted to be engaged by thekey when advanced between the groups of wards, to release the lockingmembers so as to enable the key to advance the actuator to a projectedposition.

7. Mechanism of the class described comprising a plurality of wardshaving circumferent ally spaced teeth; means for mounting the wards intwo groups for rotary movement about axes arranged side by side with thewards of one grou spaced from those of the other group sufficiently toprovide for the passage of the teeth of the respective wards and for theinsertion. of a key therebetween to co-act with. the teeth in rota* ingthe wards: means for operatively connectinr the groups of wards tosynchronize rotation of the groups in opposite directions; for urgingthe two groups of wards to rotate to a predetermined starting position;reciprocablv mounted actuator: locking members pivot-ally mounted on theactuator and having inner and outer locking dogs: stationary lockinglugs with which said locking dogs are adapted to co-act: means fornormally urging the locking members to positions wherein the outerlocking dogs will coact with said lugs to lock the actuator in aretracted position; and means on the locking members adapted to beengaged by the key when advanced between the groups of wards, to movethe locking members sufliciently to release the outer locking dogs fromsaid lugs while the inner looking dogs remain clear of the lugs so as toenable the key to advance the actuator to a projected position.

8. Mechanism of the class described compriring a plurality of wardshaving circumferentially spaced teeth: means for mounting the wards intwo groups for rotary movement about axes arranged side by side with thewards of one group spaced from those of the other group suffic ent y toprovide for the passage of the teeth of the respective wards and for theinsertion of a key therebetween to co-act with the teeth in rotating thewards; means for operatively connecting the groups of wards tosynchronize rotation of the groups in opposite directions; means forurging the two groups of wards to rotate to a predetermined startingposition; a reciprocably mounted actuator; locking members pivotallymounted on the actuator and having inner and outer looking dogs;stationary locking lugs with which said locking dogs are adapted toco-act; means for normally urging the locking members to positionswherein the outer locking dogs will co-act with the said lugs to lockthe actuator in a re tracted position; and means defining cam surfaceson the locking members adapted to be engaged by the forward end of thekey when advanced between the groups of wards, to move the lockingmembers sufficiently for the outer locking dogs thereof to be releasedfrom said lugs while the inner locking dogs remain clear of the lugs,whereby to enable the key to advance the actuator to a projectedposition.

9. Mechanism of the class described comprising a plurality of wards;means for mounting the wards for rotation; means on the wards with whicha key is adapted to co-act to rotate the wards in order to enable thekey to be advanced in a linear path; a reciprocably mounted actuator; alocking member carried by the actu ator and having a locking dog; astationary lug with which said dog is adapted to co-act to lock theactuator in a retracted position; and means on the locking memberadapted to be engaged by the key during advancing movement thereof, tomove the locking member and unlock the said dog from said lug, wherebyto free the actuator for movement to a projected position by the key.

10. In a key guide for looks, identical relative- 1y rotatable elementshaving peripheral surfaces opposed to each other and always providing akey-way of constant width therebetween, said elements provided withteeth, the length of each of which is less than the width of the keyway,the teeth of both elements formed and related to each other to coactwith a proper key and enable free relative rotation of the elements andunimpeded advancement of said proper key through the key-way and adaptedwhen any thereof is pressed against by an object other than said properkey to set up but enable only slight relative rotation of the elementsand cause the object to be firmly gripped and held by both elements.

11. In a key guide for locks, relatively rotatable elements, each havingtoothed peripheral surfaces opposed to each other and providing akey-way therebetween for a key of predetermined thickness, the teeth ofsaid surfaces ar ranged in axially spaced apart circular series p withteeth of one element always in coaction with teeth of the other elementto substantially block the entire area of the key-way against passagetherethrough of any object other than a proper key, the length of anytooth of any elemerit being slightly less than the width of the 12. In akey guide for looks, a pair of relative- 1y rotatable, structurallyidentical, cylindrical elements disposed parallel to and spaced apartfrom each other to provide a key-way therebetween, each element havingequal length circumferen tially spaced apart teeth, the teeth of oneelement related to each other and to those of the other element so thatone or more teeth of said one element coact with one or more teeth ofthe other element to provide a series of teeth at the key-way adapted tocoact with a proper key and enable uninterrupted advancement thereofthrough the key-way and whereby upon application of pressure against anytooth of an element by an object other than said proper key, relativerotation of the elements will be effected to cause clamping engagementof the elements with said object.

13. A key guide for locks comprising a pair of structurally identicalrelatively rotatable, cy-

linclrical elements. spaced apart from each other to provide a key-waytherebetween and each having an annular series of radial. teeth,thelength of each of which is less than the width of said key-way, theteeth of one element bearing a relationship to those of the otherelement so that a tooth of one element always coacts with a tooth of theother element to provide obstructions at the key-way and so disposedwith respect to each other as to be engaged and pressed against by anobject other than a proper key and efiect rotational motion of oneelement relative to the other and clamping engagement of both elementsagainst said object.

14. As a new article of manufacture, a ward' group for locks comprisinga rotatable element having a plurality of identical peripherally tootheddisks disposed in coaxial side by side relation to each other and eachhaving peripheral teeth and Said disks arranged circumferentially toprovide a predetermined relationship of the teeth of one disk to theteeth of another disk.

15. A key guide for looks comprising a plurality of ward elements; meansdisposed and adapted to coact therewith to provide a keyway; said wardelements being substantially fiat and disposed in abutting relation toeach other and adapted tomove about a common supporting axis, thecombined Width of the ward elements being coextensive with that of thekeyway, each ward element having a plurality of teeth disposed so that atooth of any ward element coacts with a tooth of any other ward elementto always completely block the keyway and serving when pressure of anobject other than a proper key is imposed thereagainst to tilt the wardelement of which it is a part and advance another tooth of said wardelement across the keyway and relative to said coacting means tosecurely grip said object between said other tooth and said means tothereby stop advancement of said object past said ward elements.

JAMES E. PRICE.

